Holland America’s latest ship Rotterdam arrived in New York City this morning for the primary time, following a transatlantic crossing that departed Rotterdam, the Netherlands on October fifteenth. The vessel is nearing the tip of a 15-day cruise that’s recreating the maiden voyage of Holland America’s first ship — Rotterdam I — that departed Rotterdam 150 years in the past on October 15, 1872.
Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine formally declared in the present day, October twenty sixth, an “honorary day” for Holland America to acknowledge the event and contributions of the corporate to Manhattan all through its 150 years.
To rejoice the milestone, an occasion is being held on board tonight for invited visitors. A spotlight of the night would be the efficiency of a musical piece by Emmy Award-winning producer and Emmy-nominated composer Steven Schoenberg, written for Holland America’s anniversary to accompany a particular brief movie concerning the line’s journey. The composition will likely be carried out by a 25-piece ensemble of former HAL Lincoln Center Stage musicians.
In addition, the cruise line will introduce a partnership with The Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation to rejoice its 150-year journey from immigrant service to shopper ocean liner fleet.
The partnership consists of onboard video content material throughout the fleet, in addition to an exhibit launching subsequent yr at Ellis Island, detaining the model’s historic prominence in bringing one in 10 immigrants from Europe to the U.S.
MORE: Carnival Cruise Line Debuts First Pickleball Court within the Fleet
“We are excited to be celebrating our 150th Anniversary in such a vibrant city with our newest ship on a rare overnight call,” mentioned Gus Antorcha, Holland America Line’s president. “There’s nothing like sailing into New York under the Verrazano Bridge, past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. Standing on deck, you can’t help but think back to more than a century ago, feeling the emotion of arriving in America for the first time. Recreating our first voyage has been a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
During the crossing, visitors indulged in menus that showcased Holland America’s 150-year-history, with entrées every night paying homage to dishes served as early because the Twenties. One particular one hundred and fiftieth Gala Menu solely featured objects from a earlier Holland America voyage.
In addition to the delicacies, particular programming included a “Throwback Happy Hour” that featured drinks priced as little as 25 cents, Dutch High Tea, displays that relived the historical past of the corporate, and anniversary-themed trivia.
Holland America additionally launched a limited-edition Pilsner beer — HAL Pils — in a can adorned with the long-lasting Jan van Beers promoting poster of 1898 displaying a lady holding a Holland America steamship above her head.
Those seeking to proceed the celebration can get pleasure from most of the identical culinary and enrichment applications on one other one hundred and fiftieth anniversary transatlantic crossing departing April 6, 2023 from New York City, ending in Rotterdam on April 18th — Holland America’s official one hundred and fiftieth birthday.
READ NEXT: Service Dog Celebrates Over 700 Cruise Days on Holland America Ships